Kent Eriksen / Steve Potts?

[Steelman1]

Thinking of building a geared 29er and wanted some feedback on which would be the better choice. Looking for feedback on working with either builder.

One plus for me in Colorado would be to go and visit Kent up in Steamboat.

Regards,
Doug

[wv_bob]

I wish I had tough decisions like that to make :-)

FWIW, I've got a steel Phoenix 26er, it's a great bike.

[benwitt11]

I think that Kent builds nice bikes, but I think Steve is in a league of his own. I was talking to him recently and he told me that he's built over 3500 fillet brazed bikes. That's not including the tig'd steel at Ti stuff. That's experience that can't be beat in my opinion.

[DMFT]

Hard to go wrong with either one there. Talk to each and see who you connect with more/better.

[WTB-rider]

I think that Kent builds nice bikes, but I think Steve is in a league of his own. I was talking to him recently and he told me that he's built over 3500 fillet brazed bikes. That's not including the tig'd steel at Ti stuff. That's experience that can't be beat in my opinion.

I don't think I could have said it better myself.

[29erchico]

Both build great bikes. But, perish the thought, if you ever had to sell it, the Potts bike would command a much better price. Just another thought to add to the mix.

[Steelman1]

Both build great bikes. But, perish the thought, if you ever had to sell it, the Potts bike would command a much better price. Just another thought to add to the mix.

Thanks, I've talked to Steve and the pricing is about the same for both frames. I'm leaning toward to Potts, It would be like owning a piece of Mt Bike history in my opinion.

[MichiganClydesdale]

I know, it's not one of your listed options, but talk to Walt at waltworks. You could have your frame / fork by spring. His frames are appreciated by many, too. It's worth a phone conversation....and you could visit him in Boulder too!

[Steelman1]

I know, it's not one of your listed options, but talk to Walt at waltworks. You could have your frame / fork by spring. His frames are appreciated by many, too. It's worth a phone conversation....and you could visit him in Boulder too!

Thanks! I just checked and the wait list is the same as a Potts, 4 months.

[cocheese]

I do not think that you can wrong with either one. I own an Eriksen and it is a stellar bike. Dealing with Kent was a true pleasure from start to finish. I would suggest that you go with the builder that you can visit for fitting and such. I think that would be pivotal for me. Steve makes great stuff too, so you win either way.

[jeff]

If you were not already aware.

Potts/Ericsen...Ti only
Walt...Steel only

My opinion? One of each.

[DWF]

Either way you're golden but how about the best of both worlds: Eriksen frame with a Potts Type II fork?

Steve & Kent are good friends and have been building for a similar length of time and are two of the nicest, most sincere guys in the biz.

[jeff]

Either way you're golden but how about the best of both worlds: Eriksen frame with a Potts Type II fork?

Steve & Kent are good friends and have been building for a similar length of time and are two of the nicest, most sincere guys in the biz.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Jeff

[Ryan G.]

Look at these ****ing welds! (Potts).

Step further. Potts frame, eriksen post

[Treybiker]

Oh yeah......... look at these welds.

And Kent just won Titanium bike of the year at the 2009 NAHBS.

[afie]

Kent for sure - you can visit for measurements, to check on how your build is going, to get fit- ride out the shop and then a further fit. You will get alot more attention than just sending off your requirements and getting a frame in the mail.

You are going custom to get the best fit (otherwise it would be a standard frame - right?) so why not go with the guy that will give the best fit considering that the two are reasonably equal in everything else?

[lostmaniksoul]

I would go with an Eriksen. Especially considering you can go there and personally meet with him to discuss your needs and get fitted. That's invaluable imho.

[Bituman]

Can't go wrong with either. Three years ago I was trying to make same decision. Here's what I chose. Only half a 29er, but still rolls sweet. What others have said about working with KE is exactly true.

[Timo]

It's like asking the question, who has the better rack? Teri Hatcher or the chick who put the Moots seat post between hers?

Oh yeah, then think Eriksen.

[mvi]

Not to change the subject but how do you like that bike?

[HardTail29er]

Love - LOVE my ERIKSEN Ti 29er sooo much I did NOT order the Superfly 100 @ BRO deal.

Carl Strong is also an incredible builder and fun to work with. [watch his video at www.strongframes.com ]

[Jazz Piano Guy]

Bumping this thread. I know there's no possible way to lose with either. Considering the Potts just a tad more because of the closer driving proximity of Point Reyes to LA then Steamboat.

It would be nice to get fitted in person and meet rather then doing the phone thing....not that I couldn't make the drive to Steamboat.

The Cunnigham fork has me intrigued too. Any user comments on that ?

I could drop him an email but does anyone know if Steve's doing the 650b yet?

Frame price and wait time similar ?

Thanks.

[Burnt-Orange]

Why did you bump a thread from 2009?

Sj

[Ricky J]

Last June, Steve Potts stopped in to visit Kent Eriksen's shop in Steamboat Springs where he actually did the finishing touches (i.e. "braze-ons") on my new KE road frame. Small world, et cetera.

[stan lee]

Steve and Kent are actually working together because the welder at Ericksen quit a while back. Kent has been doing the mitering and Steve's been doing a lot of the welding. It's a perfect combo in my opinion and as stated multiple times in this thread, you can't go wrong with either.